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By Igor Plaksin

Interaction of sulfide minerals and native metals with reagents in flotation is largely determined by particle-surface changes resulting from action of the medium and dissolved gases. A number of early studies were devoted to the selective action of various gases on minerals.1 Mc- Lachlan2 paid attention to oxygen as the most active gas affecting flotation properties of sulfide minerals.

Jan 3, 1959

A1 in carbon steel, equilibrium temperature, XLVII, 740-747. A2 and A3 in pure iron, critical ranges, XLVII, 665-739. Abbott, Ai Arthur: [biog. notice, Bulletin No. 27, Mar., 1909, xxvii]; death, XXXIX, . [xl]. Abbott, Arthur Vaughan: [biog. notice, Bulletin No. 16, July, 1907, 6581; death, XXXVII, [xxxix]. [ ]

Jan 1, 1918

By L. M. Kaas

Maintenance costs comprise a large portion of total operating cost, 30% to 60% of the operating cost dollar not being unusual. Thus even a relatively small percentage reduction in this cost would represent a sizable increase to mining profitability. Mine and mill maintenance management is a complex problem. An effective maintenance manager must study the experiences of the past and make decisions based on that experience. Data Processing equipment-more specifically, the computer-can be an effective and economical tool to simplify the job of maintenance record-keeping and to aid in the formulation of many accurate and timely management reports. These reports will enable improved control to be established over day-to-day practices; permit comparisons of unit and component performance; spotlight inefficient maintenance practices; and further, better, more efficient cost control. The net result can be increased profits through reduction of operating costs.

Jan 12, 1967

By W. A. West

ONE who attempts to collect and classify equilibrium data from various iron-alloy systems is soon struck with the absence of any quantitative theory that can serve as a general background against which to compare and contrast results from different systems, at different temperatures, and with different concentrations. It is not necessary to wait for a perfect theory; investigation of divergences of theory from observation may prove of great value in acquiring understanding of the subject. For example, one has only to think of Raoult's law as applied to aqueous solutions. The equations developed by Zener1 represent an effort to provide such a quantitative theoretical background, and it is therefore desirable to subject this theory to such tests as can be applied. The present article is intended to be an application of available tests, and may thus be considered as a supplement to Zener's paper. It is assumed that this paper is available to the reader. The equations make it possible to calculate the effect on the equilibrium concentration of one alloying element due to the presence of one or more other elements. In particular they are intended to give, for alloy steels, the carbon concentrations in alpha and gamma phases in equilibrium with each other, and in gamma in equilibrium with cementite. They may, however, be modified for use for carbon-free alloys. A summary is given later of the equations used in analyzing the data in this paper, and the symbols are there defined. About 125 papers have been examined for experimental data suitable for this investigation. An effort was made to look up all available reports of ternary systems including iron and carbon, as well as similar systems of higher order. Supplementary material was also obtained from a number of binary systems. A few noncarbon ternary systems were also found to which these methods could be applied. A comparatively small proportion of the papers read provided usable material. In many systems the number of quantitative observations made in the iron-rich region is extremely small, and the smoothed curves to be found in most published phase diagrams are entirely useless for quantitative treatment. This opinion is confirmed by the authors of the series on Alloys of Iron Research, whose remarks show clearly that they have no illusions as to the accuracy of many diagrams that they present. A further difficulty arises from the fact that these equations apply only to rather low percentages of alloying elements. The result is that at the lowest concentrations, where the best agreement might be hoped for, the errors of observation become relatively very large. The experimental difficulties in measurements of this kind of equilibrium are, of course, an old story.

Jan 1, 1946

By Donald W. Scott

GENERALLY speaking, there is nothing very difficult about taking good micrographs of photogenic thin sections or grains with a petrographic micro-scopecamera setup. However, sometimes it is desired to show some detail that cannot be illustrated satisfactorily by the usual micrographs taken with parallel polarized light, with crossed nicols, or even with two micrographs. A simple procedure giving good results has been used at Battelle Memorial Institute for subjects falling into this classification, and it is believed to be of interest, especially to research people who must sell a point to executives through the medium of well-illustrated reports. The following problem illustrates a typical application: It is desired to photograph a thin section of an iron ore to illustrate the character and association of the iron oxides and the individual quartz crystals. A magnification of 75 dia. is acceptable. A micrograph of the field in question (Fig. I[a]) was taken with parallel polarized light. Due precaution was taken to provide critical illumination, correct exposure, a sharp focus, a good darkroom technique, and other essential conditions. It illustrates correctly the iron oxides, but it fails to show the individual quartz crystals. A micrograph of the identical field (Fig. I[b]) was taken under the same precise conditions, but with crossed nicols. It gives a better idea of the character of the individual quartz crystals but is likely to be misinterpreted unless accompanied by a lengthy descriptive note. This micrograph suggests that the centrally located, large black area is composed entirely of iron oxides. That this is an incorrect interpretation is evident by reexamining the micrograph of Fig. I[a]. The correct interpretation is that the dark area contains quartz crystals oriented with their optical directions parallel to, or nearly parallel to, the vibration directions of the polarizer and analyzer of the microscope. Thus, the executive, or anyone who had not done the work personally, would get no more than a fair interpretation, even if two micrographs were included; and in the interests of both brevity and clarity, one micrograph usually is more desirable. Exactly how many quartz crystals occur in this region cannot be told from the two micrographs, and a printing of the two negatives in register would likewise not show the detail desired. Thus, it is evident that some subjects cannot be satisfactorily illustrated by the usual procedures. In photographing Fig. is the light was subdued and, during the entire exposure of 75 sec., the analyzer nicol was rotated uniformly in its mounting from a crossed position to 45° uncrossed position to introduce the desired amount of contrast in the various individual quartz crystals. The true reproduction of the character and association of the iron oxides, and the additional structure and detail in the quartz areas, is apparent. It might be

Jan 1, 1946

By E. P. Barrett

THE high-frequency laboratory induction furnace with a rotating liquid crucible enables research workers to conduct certain investigations heretofore very difficult or impossible to realize because vessels are not obtainable that are capable of resisting the physical conditions or the chemical actions to which they are subjected. Applications for patents covering commercial uses of centrifugal liquid crucibles were filed in the United States in 1919,1 in France in 1925, in the United States and Germany in 1926,2 and in France in 1927.3 In 1928, Schuette and Maier,4 of the Bureau of Mines, reported the construction of a whirling table beneath a high-frequency induction furnace. SHAPE AND SIZE OF CENTRIFUGAL LIQUID CRUCIBLES When a vessel containing a liquid is rotated, the inner surface of the liquid takes the shape f a paraboloid under the simultaneous action of centrifugal force and gravity. The internal dimensions of the paraboloid rotating liquid crucible are governed by the diameter of the container and its speed of rotation. Melted Wood's metal was poured into cylinders 2 ½ in. in diameter, which were rotated at 180, 300, and 468 r.p.m. When the metal was solid, a slurry of plaster of Paris was added, and rotation continued until the plaster had set. Fig. 1, a photograph of sections f the cylinders, shows the effect f speed f rotation of the containers upon the shape f the inner surface f the rotating liquid crucibles.

Jan 1, 1938

New York Meets first Wednesday after first Tuesday of each month. J. E. JOHNSON, JR., Chairman EDGAR RICHARD, Vice-Chairman D. M. LIDDELL, Secretary, 7 Wall St., New York, N. Y. C. A. BOHN, Treasurer JOHN V. N. DORR LEWIS W. FRANCIS Boston Meets first Monday of each winter month. R. L. AGASSIZ, Chairman JAMES G. CARLETON, Vice-Chairman E. E. BUGBEE Secretary-Treasurer, Mass. Inst. of. Technology, Cambridge, Mass. W. E. C. EUSTIS G. A. PACKARD Columbia Holds four sessions during year. Annual meeting in September or October. W. H. LINNEY, Chairman OSCAR LACHMUND, Vice-Chairman LYNDON K. ARMSTRONG, Secretary-Treasurer, P. O. Drawer 2154, Spokane, Wash. STANLY A. EASTON S. SHEDD Puget Sound Meets second Saturday of each month SIMON H. ASH, Chairman I. F. LAUCKS, Vice-Chairman PERCY E. WRIGHT, Secretary-Treasurer, 2012 L. C. Smith Bldg., Seattle. Wash. GLENVILLE A. COLLINS JOHN N. POTT

Jan 11, 1917

By N. T. Burdine

Formulas for calculating relative permeability from pore size distribution data are derived from basic laws of fluid flow ill porous media. The tortuosity factors that appear in the equation5 are described in. terms of the physical properties of tile medium and the saturations of the contained fluids. Procedures for calculating and methods for measuring the tortuosity factors are discussed. Values of relative permeability calculated by the formulas art: compared with results obtained by experimental measurements I INTRODUCTION Recently, several investigators have derived relative permeability equations from Darey's and Poisenille's Laws in which some, physical factor or factors describing the porous system appear. The factor that has caused the greatest amount of comment, and which is probably least understood, is the tortuosity of the fluid {lath ill the porous sample. Values of the tortuosity factors appearing in the equations range from a constant for all condition- of the fluid flow system to an inverse function of the pore radii. It is the purpose of this paper to compare wine experi~i~cntslly determined relative permeability curves with those calculated by a method which utilized capillary pressure infortmation. The capillary pressure data were obtained prefer.. ably from pore size distribution information as determined by mercury injection but. in some cases, in the absence of suitable mercury injection information. data were taken from measurements made by the porous semi-permeable diaphragm method. The physical significance of certain tortuosity concepts is inferred and the determinations of the tortuosity factors from pore size distribution data and by electrical measurements are discussed. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND In previously reported studies on pore size distribution in petroleum reservoir rocks. by the author and co-workers ail equation was derived relating specific permeability. k, to pore entry radii, R, porosity. . tortuosity factor. .,, and incremental pore volume. V. The equation is where being the "effective" length of the flow path in the porous sample. and L the length of the porous sample., The constant. 0.126. is a units conversion factor. (This definition of tortuosity factor X, = L L does not conform to all such definitions found in the literature. Fly similarity, in a two-phase system. the effective permeability of the wetting-phase.

Jan 1, 1953

By J. E. House, J. L. Drobnick, R. R. Swanson, D. W. Agers

The paper describes an improved process for the recovery, purification, and concentration of copper values from acidic dump leach liquors. The process employs a new liquid ion exchange material (LIX® 64 reagent) capable of separating copper values from iron and other impurities common to dump leach liquors in the typical pH range of 1.4-3.0. Properties and performance of the reagent are discussed. Design scale-up information for both pilot plants and commercial installations, including preliminary economics, are presented. Economic considerations include the production of electrolytic copper from the purified copper aqueous concentrate. INTRODUCTION Since the commercial acceptance of the liquid ion exchange process in the mineral processing industry, it has been predicted that a wide selection of chemical reagents to efficiently and economically separate many metals in solution under a wide range of conditions would be commercially available. Several years ago, General Mills began a basic research and development program to determine if it were possible to develop a reagent to extract economically metallic ion from existing process streams. Progress toward reaching this objective was reported in late 1963, when development of quantities of LIX -63 reagent, a highly selective reagent for the extraction of copper, was introduced. The properties of this reagent are described in a previous paper.' The development work with this reagent indicated that perhaps the largest potential application for a copper extractant, the treatment of acidic dump leach liquors, would not be economically possible with LIX-63 because of limitations of the reagent to extract copper below a pH of 3.0. The relatively small pH adjustment required with LIX-63 would result in a significant processing cost and the undesirable precipitation of ferric hydroxide from the liquor. This pointed to the need for another copper extractant which would extract copper from dump leach liquors without pH adjustment. General Mills was successful in synthesizing a molecule which does not have the pH limitation of the LIX-63, yet possesses the selectivity-solubility properties required of a metallic extractant. The resulting LIX-64 reagent broadens the pH range from which copper can be effectively extracted and separated from other metallic impurities. Of special significance is the fact that the reagent, LIX-64 was developed by combining the technical requirements of a specific problem in hydro-metallurgy with theoretical organic and physical chemical principles.

Jan 1, 1967

By Ernest A. Hersam

The small amalgamation-test of the laboratory is not always reliable as a basis for important decisions as to the character and commercial treatment of ores. The conditions of continuous practice on a large scale are not always reproduced in the brief laboratory-test. Sometimes such a reproduction would be very difficult, or impracticable; sometimes it is not even attempted, and the test is performed in a rough way, without regard to the effects of small variations in the methods pursued. The aim of a laboratory amalgamation-test is to learn how much of the gold or silver in an ore can be economically recovered by amalgamation on a commercial scale. The yield can be increased, perhaps, by additional chemical treatment or by extreme comminution of the ore; but this might cost more than the value of such increase. Moreover, in practice, other operations often follow amalgamation; and these operations may remedy a defective extraction by amalgamation, more economically than could be done by directly increasing that extraction. The test should be performed, therefore, upon a uniformly-sized material, and under conditions that are precisely known and capable of being exactly duplicated, or purposely modified. The crucial feature of the test is the effectiveness of the contact made between the gold or silver of the ore and the amal-gamating-surfme. This may depend upon the temperature; the duration of contact; its force, due to gravity or impact; the hardness, plasticity or liquidity of the amalgam; the roughness or other quality of the amalgam-surface; the scouring action of the ore upon the amalgam, or the suspension and

Jan 1, 1905

By F. B. Plummer, I. W. Walling

Bastin and others have demonstrated the presence of sulphate-reducing bacteria in oil wells producing salt water. Analyses show that at 125°F. bacteria alone reduce sulphates in East Texas salt water by only 3 per cent in 30 days, forming principally hydrogen sulphide and sodium or calcium hydroxide. The hydrogen sulphide reacts with soluble iron compounds to produce iron sulphide in the absence of oxygen, and ferric hydroxide where oxygen and air are present. Where iron or other metals and iron sulphide are already in the water containing bacteria, I00 per cent reduction of the sulphates is complete in 30 days or less; where magnesium is present, reduction is complete in 15 days. The effects of changes in temperature, of different bactericides, and of concentration of bactericides on sulphate reduction are described in detail and illustrated by tables and curves. The significance of sulphate reduction on corrosive properties of oil-field water is briefly discussed. Chemistry of East Texas Oil-field Water The chemical composition of the water in the East Texas field salt-water disposal pits is shown in Table I. This salt water corrodes pipes, pumps, and steel tanks excessively, principally because of its content of oxygen, hydrogen, sulphide, and carbonic acid. The carbonates in the water when exposed to air tend to give up carbon dioxide and to precipitate calcium carbonate in large quantities. This forms coatings in tanks, settling pits, and ditches, and soon, unless removed by acid treatment, will effectively clog an injection well and reduce the flow of water back into the ground. The iron compounds in the water, most of which are dissolved from tanks and pipes, are in the ferrous form, and when exposed to the air are oxidized from soluble ferrous carbonate to insoluble ferric hydroxide, resulting in the precipitation of a gelatinous precipitate that will clog oil-field sands effectively: 2Fe(HCO3)2 + O + H2O -> 2Fe(OH)3 + 4CO2 The sulphates in strong sulphate-bearing water may be attacked by swarms of sulphate-reducing bacteria and more hydrogen sulphide may be produced. The hydrogen sulphide reacts with soluble minerals in the water to form black sludges. A knowledge of the chemistry of each reaction in oil-field water is important to the oil-field engineer, since means must be devised to prevent the formation of harmful precipitates that clog injection wells and to prevent corrosion of tanks by harmful products of biochemical processes. Methods of Treating Water before Injection into Ground* The open system of handling the waste salt water in the East Texas field consists of aerating and chemically treating the water to precipitate the unstable iron,

Jan 1, 1946

By Pete Turcic, Wade E. Cooper

Many factors influence radon-222 influx and radon-daughter concentrations in underground uranium mines. A brief review of some of these factors is presented. Current radon-222 and radon-daughter control principles and practices for U.S. underground uranium mine atmospheres are discussed and a brief review of the applicability of other possible control methods such as rock sealants, radon-222 removal, and radon-daughter removal is given.

Jan 1, 1982

By J. S. Smart

The six countries which make up the European Economic Community-Belgium, France, German Federal Republic, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands-are populated by about 170 million consumers. Their economic abilities and their standard of living have increased at a high rate during the past few years. Consequently, the policies and trade practices adopted by the group will have International repercussions within the nonferrous Industry whether or not other nations are eventually admitted to the group. Considering the hopeful prospects of only a few months ago, it is surprising that we must now face up to the fact that Great Britain and Norway, in particular, will achieve membership status only after prolonged and difficult negotiations, if at all. However, this is but one of many factors that should remind us that the Common Market is yet in its formative stage and has by no means reached maturity.

Jan 6, 1963

By Edmund Davenport

Tier; production of thorium of high purity by the Ca-CaCl2 reduction has been described by Marden and Rentschler,1 who also reported some of the properties of the coherent, ductile metal obtained from this pure thorium powder. The present paper describes the properties of thorium produced by the Ca-CaCl2 process modified in some details to meet commercial conditions. The principal effect of these changes in process has been an unavoidable increase in the oxide content of the thorium.

Jan 1, 1929

By Walter Lang

The year 1931 has shown a marked change over 1930 in New Mexico, with respect to the volume of activities attendant upon the petroleum industry. Although the total production of oil and gas this year exceeds that of preceding years, the results have been attained from established units operating under restriction, but capable of supplying far more than the economic conditions justify. The presidential order of March 12, 1929, that "there will be complete conservation of Government oil in this administration," has merely anticipated a normal consequence of overdevelopment. As a result of the combined economic and legal restrictions imposed, very little new drilling has occurred during the year. Even in proven areas the drilling of offsets has been curtailed to the absolute limit of requirements. Scouting and sample-cutting, which in 1930 were still in a state of feverish activity, are at low ebb, and lease buying has reached a condition of stagnation. A number of the major oil companies have either materially reduced their field and office forces or completely eliminated local office representation. Two tests of particular interest, because correlation shows them to be structurally high although they failed to produce, are the National Securities well drilled six miles west of the town of Hobbs, on sec. 33, T.18 S., R.37 E., Lea County, to a total depth of 4272 ft., which developed a flow of 4,000,000 cu. ft. of gas at 3860 ft., and a show of oil; and the Western Drilling Co. No. 1 State, sec. 16, T.20S., R.32 E., Lea County. The latter test found dead oil at 2575 to 2580 ft., and sulfur water at 2745 ft., increasing to 2780 ft., representing the zone from which production was generally expected. The well was drilled to 4013 feet. The discovery of sulfur at about 950 ft. in the deepening of an old water well (Pearson, NE. 1/4 sec. 8, T.16 S., R.25 E.) drilled in the Little Cottonwood area northwest of Artesia led the Union Sulphur Co. to drill three prospect tests on a block of acreage in the vicinity during the summer and fall. The results of the investigation have not been disclosed. The Kummbaca Oil and Gas Co. drilled the T. J. Kerline No. 1, in sec. 34, T.21 N., R.30 E., Harding County, gaging 3,654,000 cu. ft. of 98 per cent CO² at 940 ft. The Barton structure, 20 miles east of Albu-

Jan 1, 1932

By C. F. Kaiser, T. J. Roberts, I. A. Thomson

The Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd. grate-kiln pelletizing plant located at Whyalla, South Australia, produced a total of 250,000 tons of fluxed pellets during 1970. More than 180,000 tons were exported to Japan, while the remainder was used in B.H.P. Co. blast furnaces. The pellet plant treats high grade hematite ore fines and has a nominal capacity of 1.5 million tpy. The induration equipment includes a grate 12-ft 2-in. wide by 164-ft 1-in. long, a kiln 18-ft 6-in. diam by 118-ft 8-in. long, and a rotary cooler 50-ft mean diam by 7 ft wide. Operating problems encountered in the production of fluxed pellets are detailed. The most significant aspect of the trial was the increased production, from about 5100 tpd up to a maximum of 7100, brought about by the addition of artificial magnetite to the plant feed. Laboratory evaluation of fluxed pellets showed that pellets having a basicity ratio (CaO to SiO2) in excess of 1.2 have excellent physical qualities. Reducibility and compressive strength after reduction were both higher for these fluxed pellets than for normal acid pellets. Although it was not possible to publish blast furnace operating data, blast furnace trials on fluxed pellets indicated that production was higher and dust losses substantially lower, compared with similar operations on acid pellets.

Jan 1, 1973

By C. L. Pillar

TWO shafts have been completed since the spring of 1948 when underground development started, and three are now under construction. The new program provides two main ore shafts, Nos. 3A and 3B, spaced 195 ft apart and located on the south- western end of the orebody. It is planned that eventually 35,000 tons of copper ore per day will be hoisted by these identical four-compartment shafts. The third shaft of this new group is 600 ft from the present No. 1 shaft and will provide caged sup- plies for the underground mining operations. This No. 4 shaft has the largest cross-section of any shaft in Arizona.

Jan 7, 1954

By Thomas E. Ban, Charles D. Thompson, Charles A. Czako

Continuous sintering-a metallurgical process for more than 50 years-has broadened from its origin in nonferrous metallurgy to present-day applications in ferrous, chemical, and nonmetallic fields. During the past year, self-fluxing sinter production has been a subject of active interest to iron metallurgists in North America. Accomplishments however, have come predominantly from Europe and proper interpretation of these reports requires an understanding of European raw materials and European economics. The technology, of course, can be applied universally.

Jan 10, 1959

Jan 1, 1947

By David R. Hargis, John W. Harshbarger

The Upper Santa Cruz Basin lies in the drainage area of the Santa Cruz River in Arizona, and extends upstream from the community of Rillito to the international boundary [(Fig. 1)]. The principal water use area lies between, and includes, the cities of Tucson and Nogales. A subsurface geologic barrier near Rillito provides a reasonable dividing line between the ground waters of the upper and lower Santa Cruz basins. The upper basin contains the Tucson and Sahuarita-Continental critical ground water areas. The Tucson water use area encompasses the Tucson metropolitan area and extends from the northern boundary of the basin south to the boundary between the Tucson and Sahuarita-Continental critical ground water areas near San Xavier. The San Xavier use area is the San Xavier Indian Reservation. The north and south boundaries of the Continental use area coincide with the limits of the Sahuarita-Continental critical ground water area. The first study of ground water in this valley was initiated by Dr. G. E. P. Smith in 1905, and the results were published in 1910, followed by a series of bulletins of the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona, covering the general field of ground water development and utilization. Beginning in 1939, the ground water branch of the US Geologic Survey, in cooperation with the Arizona State Land Department and the Arizona Water Commission (AWC), published a series of bulletins concerning ground water occurrence and utilization in various areas of the state. In 1975 and 1977, the AWC published the Arizona State Water Plan (Arizona Water Commission, 1975) comprising a detailed inventory of water availability and use in Arizona and a study of alternative futures. The importance of ground water supplies in the Upper Santa Cruz Valley cannot be overemphasized. Metropolitan Tucson, surrounding agricultural areas, and the mineral industry are completely dependent upon ground water. Agriculture has been the largest user of ground water. The land distribution of the Upper Santa Cruz Basin is rural in character with large tracts of land included in national monuments and national forests. The Upper Santa Cruz is one of several state basins that does not depend upon one single industry as its major economic activity. Agriculture, mining, tourism, international commerce, and manufacturing all contribute to a viable economy. The city of Nogales, on the Mexican border, and the city of Tucson, to the North, are the centers of commerce in the basin.

Jan 1, 1982